Program and Reception Officer

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is a member-based not-for-profit supporting over 8,600 surgeons and 1,300 trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We advocate for excellence in surgical care, deliver world-class education and training, invest in research, and partner across the Asia-Pacific to strengthen local surgical services. Learn more at surgeons.org.

About the role
In this varied role you will support our committees, help coordinate projects and events, prepare communications and provide reception coverage. You’ll work with people across RACS as well as Fellows, surgical societies, medical colleges and other external stakeholders. You’ll work closely with our Manager, Fellowship Services and the wider team to help keep our programs, committees and activities running smoothly.
Your day-to-day work will include:
• Providing secretariat and governance support to College sections and committees, including preparing agendas, meeting papers and minutes, and following up actions.
• Supporting projects by coordinating documentation, tracking progress and helping to keep activities on schedule.
• Helping to plan and deliver key events, including the annual Younger Fellows Forum and biennial Cowlishaw Symposium.
• Preparing reports, papers, newsletters and other communications for our members and stakeholders.
• Working with our Communications team to provide content for member communications, including Surgical News, Fax Mentis, social media and the website.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with Section Chairs, committees, Fellows and a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Providing morning reception coverage, including answering incoming calls, welcoming visitors, signing in visitors and contractors, and assisting with deliveries.
You’ll need to be comfortable managing a range of tasks and priorities, as the role moves between governance and administration, projects, events, communications and reception.
This is a full-time role, with occasional after-hours and weekend work to support key events and activities.
Download Position Description
About the team
The Fellowship Services team supports RACS sections and committees to contribute to the College’s strategic goals, including Fellowship engagement, advocacy and professional education. We work across RACS and with external organisations to provide governance, project, event and communication support. You’ll be joining a team that works closely together, while also having the opportunity to build relationships across the broader College. You’ll work with colleagues in areas such as Professional Development, Professional Standards and Communications, as well as Section Chairs, committees and external organisations.
About you
You’re someone who is organised, reliable and enjoys working with a variety of people. You take pride in producing accurate, high-quality work and can manage competing priorities without losing sight of the details.
We’re looking for someone who has:
• Strong administrative and governance skills and experience supporting committees or similar groups.
• Experience supporting projects and coordinating project documentation.
• Experience coordinating meetings, events or similar activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence writing and editing a range of documents.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Good judgement and the ability to research information, solve problems and provide practical advice.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with people at all levels.
• Good time management and the ability to prioritise your work and meet deadlines.
• The ability to work independently while also contributing positively to a team.
• A flexible approach and the ability to respond calmly when workloads change or become busy.
• Experience in a healthcare, educational or professional membership organisation would be valuable.

Your experience with us
We’re committed to creating a workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and able to do their best work. We invest in your wellbeing, professional growth and work life balance. Our benefits reflect our dedication to a positive, safe and inclusive culture.
Key benefits include:
• Competitive remuneration + salary packaging up to $15,900 each FBT year and novated car leasing.
• Hybrid working arrangements that support flexibility + starter equipment allowance
• Generous leave options including volunteer leave, paid parental leave and the ability to purchase up to two weeks of additional leave
• Access to a wellbeing app and annual reimbursement to support your physical and mental wellbeing
• Gifted leave over the Christmas/New Year period
• Support for you and your family including counselling, legal advice, career coaching, financial counselling, and more
• We invest in our people through ongoing access to learning and development to support your professional growth and career goals.
Read more about what we offer you here.
How to apply
Click “Apply” to begin your application. We encourage you to include both your resume and a cover letter. In your cover letter, please highlight your experience that aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the position description.
Applications are reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to submit yours as soon as possible. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact us at careers@surgeons.org. Please note that we are unable to accept applications via email.
You will be informed of the outcome of your application in due course.
Everyone is welcome
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. We are committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in our workforce.
RACS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and Māori as the tangata whenua (people of the land) of Aotearoa New Zealand.
We are committed to creating employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Māori and building an environment that is inclusive, culturally safe and appropriate.